On First Day the 4th of the 5th Mo 1793 at
9 o'clock in the evening left New York in order
to attend the Treaty to be held with the Indians
at Sandusky, near the West end of Lake Erie.

Our company who were going the same
rout consisted of Jacob Lindley, William Savery,
Rich'd Hillary, a young Englishman, John Hackenwelder, a Minister among the
Moravians, Dr. William McCoskry, and Captain
Scott, Commissary to the Commissioners.
We had an indifferent passage
up the river, part of the way being
in the Night, and arrived at Albany on the 8th,
about 5 in the morning.- Albany appears
to be a place of considerable trade, some of
the Houses are well Built, the streets mostly
paved, but some of them very narrow and
irregularly laid out -- here the Low Dutch
Language is generally spoken, and the
manners of the inhabitants not esteemed
very pleasing. At Albany we found General Lincoln, one of the commissioners, and ChS Stover,
their Secretary -- upon our arrival with the
Stores, General Lincoln was desirous of going
immediately to Schenectady, and with considerable
difficulty, and many hours delay, at length
procured a Horse and Chair, and without an
Attendant, about 6 in the Evening, set off for that
that place -- we tarried all night and
found very indifferent entertainment.

Having procured Waggons we left Albany
about 8 A.M. and went to Schenectady were
we arrived about 11 -- Schenectady lays about
l6 ½ miles N.W. from Albany, is a pretty well
built handsome inland Town, a place of con-
siderable Trade, being the carrying place between
the Mohawk and Hudson's Rivers -- here, as at
Albany, the language is Low Dutch. – The Land
between Albany and Schenectady is Sandy & poor,
Timbered chiefly with Pine.- At Schenectady
we found prepared for us Eight Boats or Batteaux,
Six for the Baggage and Stores, that would carry about
a Ton and a half each, and two larger with
Awnings for the passengers: We embarked in our
Boat about 4 P.M. and proceeded seven miles up the Mo-
hawk River to Mabee’s, where we lodged.

We proceeded up the River 15 miles & encamp’d
near the remains of old Fort Hunter; two or three
miles below which we passed by the place formerly
the residence of Sir William Johnson – We found
the stream this day very rapid – the Land
on the Banks of the River between this & Schenectady
being very beautiful and fertile – the high Land at a
distance appearing more rough and uncultivated.

Embark’d about sunrise, with a fair Wind,
and having most of the way a gentle current,
we hoisted our sails and run 20 miles up
the River to Col. Fry’s, where we dined, a few
miles below we pass’d by a place call’d Fort Plane, where is a handsome Worship House and other
good Buildings –- After Dinner proceeded 8 miles
to Nellis’s Tavern where we lay all Night.- At
this place were inform’d we were but
15 miles from the Waters of Susquehanna, and
about 40 from Delaware -

Dutch- Our way this day being through a
most beautiful and fertile country -- the
Inhabitants between this and Schenectady are being
mostly low Dutch.

Got to the Little Falls about Noon (call'd 60 miles
from Schenectady) -- here is a carrying Place of
about one Mile -- the Falls altogether are about
40 feet, preparations are now making to
render them navigable by Locks -- along these
Falls are fine mill seats, on one of which John Porteous Esqr has erected a very good Grist Mill & saw
Mill -- Jacob Lindley and myself were kindly
entertained by Major de Zeng, superintendent of
the Canal business at this place.

Got our Boats goods, &ca. above the Falls
and proceeded up the River about 6 miles
to a place call'd Fort Herkimar, or the German Flatts -- The Country hereabout being very
very beautiful, and has the appearance of great
fertility -­ the inhabitants chiefly the descendants
of Germans by whom the high Dutch Language is
mostly spoken.

In our progress this day we found the Country
but thinly inhabited, but we were informed the
number of settlers were rapidly increasing
principally by immigration from New England
and there is every reason to believe that in a few
years it will become well cultivated and plentiful
-- in the evening we stopt at Fort Schuyler
24 miles from Fort Herkimar.

After breakfast several of us went 4 miles
up the River on foot to Whites Town, the residence
of Arthur Breese, to whom I had letters -- it
is quite a new settlement but has the appear-
ance of becoming a place of note, being
situated in a fast improving Country, and
has already in it large Stores, and the finest
Pot Ash works that we have yet seen -- at 4
P.M. stopt at Baron Steuben's Landing on the
North side of the River, from which to his House
we were inform'd the distance was 7 miles
and 9 to Fort Stanwix.- At 7 in the evening
arrived at the Carrying Place at Fort Stanwix.

The situation of Fort Stanwix, (although upon
a 1evel plain, almost surrounded by low Marshey
Land), must be very much elevated, as it
lays about half way between the Mohock &
Wood Creek, the first taking an eastern course
to the sea, the latter running Westerly to the
Lakes.­ We were inform 'd a Town was
laid out near the old Fort, and that preparations
ware making to erect Buildings.- a Canal
is intended to be out perhaps the ensuing Summer
from the Mohock to Wood Creek.- The price of
Land on from the Mohock from the German Flatts
to Fort Stanwix we were told was from 2
Dollars to 20 pr Acre, according to the quality
and State of cultivation.- The course from
Schenectady to Fort Stanwix, I suppose to be
about W.N.W., distance by water about 120
miles.- this day got our batteaux &ca.
over to Wood Creek-- Wood Creek at this place
being no more than a shallow Brook of
about 10 or 12 feet wide.

About 7 this morning, having previously
hoisted the Gates of a Mill Dam a little above the
batteaux floated down the Creek,- One Waggon
Load of Goods, and another with passengers, going
by Land down to Canada Creek -- 4 miles below
Fort Stanwix is the remains of Fort Bull, opposite
to which on the South side of Wood Creek is the N.E. corner of the Oneida reserve
seven
seven miles below Fort Stanwix is Canada Creek
opposite to the mouth of which, on the South side
of Wood Creek is the remains of Fort Ricky -- the Land between
Fort Stanwix and Canada Creek is low & marshy,
much inferior to that on the Mohock -- The
Timber consists of large *Maple, Birch, Beach,
Pine &ca., no Oak or Chestnut as yet
to be seen.– at 6 in the evening encamped
at a place call'd the Oak Orchard, 18 miles by
water from Fort Stanwix.- here is a high spot
on which are a few Oak Trees – the Land below
Canada Creek appears much better than that above
-- the Timber, Maple, Butternut, Poplar, Beach,
Ash, Elm, Lindon (or Bass Wood), and some Oak
-- very little Pine or Hemlock.- On the Banks
of the River are considerable quantities of wild
Hops, equal to any in the Brewing business.

About 6 A.M. embark'd and proceeded down
the Creek to the Oneida Lake, being about 18 miles
-- the Land on the sides of the Creek being much
the same as that below Canada Creek.- The Course
from Fort Stanwix to the Mouth of Wood Creek on the
Oneida Lake, I suppose to be about W.b.S., the
distance by water 36 miles, and by Land about
18 miles. - About 2 P.M. the Wind blowing fresh
to the Westward, we pitched our Tents on the Bank
near the Mouth of Wood Creek -- Here we were

*N.B. Whenever I speak of Maple sugar Maple is meant.

visited by Col Lewis, Beach Tree, and Captain
John, three chiefs of the Oneida Indians -- a
very sensible speech was delivered by Beach Tree,
a grave old man, in which he congratulated
Gen'l Lincoln on his arrival, and express'd his
hearty concurrence with the Commissioners in
the object of their mission, saying he was an
old Man and very near the Grave, and as the
Work of peace was a good work, the few remain-
ing Days he had to Live should all be spent
in the promotion of it.- Captain John
made a short speech to the same effect, and
also express'd his particular satisfaction in
seeing a number of Friends on their way to
the Treaty.- Wood Creek runs into the Oneida
Lake near the East end, the Land upon the N.
side appears low and level, the Timber Pitch
Pine intermixed with Oak and other wood, the
soil whereon we encamp'd sandy and poor.
-On the south side the Country wore a more
pleasant & fertile appearance with a range
of high hills at a considerable distance to the
South East, from which to the Lake, the
Land appeared well Timbered and level--
It falling calm in the evening we struck
our Tents and embark'd about 7 and proceeded down
down the Lake,- a fair Wind springing
up about Midnight, we arrived about 4
A.M. at the entrance of the Onandago or Oswego
River, near the remains of Fort Brewerton
--our Passage being all the way in the Night
can give no further description of the Lake
–-the Course from the mouth of Wood Creek
being about WbN., the distance 30 miles –
the width of the Lake being from 7 to 9
miles.

19th. Left Fort Brewerton about 7 o’clock in the
morning and proceeded with the current 18
miles to where the Seneca unites with the Onan-
dago River, at a place call’d the three points, here
we found a settlement, stopt and got our Dinners
–- the Land on both sides very low, some
appearing good, other but indifferent –- the
Timber Oak, shag bark Hickory, Maple, Ash,
Beach, Birch, Pine &ca.- about 4 P.M. proceeded
down to the Falls of Oswego, and encamp’d on the
North side near the Falls.- We have found plenty
of Fish ever since we enter'd the Onondago River --
saw Cat Fish at Fort Brewerton that would weigh 15 to
20 lb.- and a very good Fish they call Black Bass.
--at the Falls we purchased of some Indians
very excellent Salmon –- The River at the Falls is
about 200 yards wide, and the Fall over the Rock
about 8 feet perpendicular – the Course of the
River at the Falls about N.N.W. –- The Banks
of the River higher near the Falls than at the
entrance of the River – on the South side the
Land appears fertile, and the banks about 40
feet high, on the N. side the bank not so high
nor the land so good.

Drag’d our Batteaux, without unloading
them, about 60 yards on the Land, and launched
them into the River just below the Falls, from whence
to the distance of about One Mile, the River is very
Rapid and not without the appearance of danger
– we found several other Rapids in our way
down to Oswego Fort, where we arrived about
2 P.M. – the distance from Fort Brewerton
I think about 36 miles by water. – Oswego
is pleasantly situated on a high point on the
East side of the River, having the Lake to the
North. – We were kindly entertained by Capt. Wickham the British Commander, during the
few hours we staid, with whom we dined
– having no tidings of any Vessell to carry
us to Niagara. General Lincoln determined
to proceed on in our Batteaux, accordingly
it being a fine Calm afternoon, about 4
P.M. we went out upon Lake Ontario, and
about 7 pitch’d our Tents upon the Beach
about 15 miles from Oswego.

It being a fine calm morning about
8 o’Clock embark'd, and in the evening en-
camped at a place call'd the Apple Boom, a
good harbour for Boats, about 40 miles from
Oswego.- about 30 miles from Oswego on
the south side of the Lake, is Great Sodus River
a good harbour for Vessells.

Rain last night - in the morning a fresh
Breeze about West which prevented our moving
untill about 4 P.M. when we again Launch'd
our Boats and proceeded about 7 miles, then
landed and encamped on the Shore.

About 5 A.M. embark'd and went 6 miles,
then landed and got breakfast, in the mean
time a fair Wind sprung up which we,
hoisting our Sails, made use of - about
10 A.M. opposite the Mouth of Genesee River
(here we saw a House, being the only settlement we discovered on the Lake) which is call’d 65 miles from Oswego – 10
miles to the Westward of Genesee is Braddock’s
Bay, where we stopt to dine – this appear’d
to be the most pleasant spot we have as yet found upon
the Lake – on both sides the Creek fine Meadows
and the upland has the appearance of fertility
– The Timber chiefly Oak, with some Chesnut
Hickory and Maple.- The Bank of the Lake
from Oswego to Braddocks Bay is mostly low,
and level, not to exceed 40 feet in the highest places,
--the Timber chiefly Hemlock, Maple, Birch,
Beach &ca.- After dinner again proceeded
on our Way, and about 8 P.M. encamp'd at
a place called the Oak Orchard, being about
50 miles from where we lay last night &
40 from Niagara.

About 8 A.M. embark'd with a fair Wind
which encreas'd and blew hard about Noon,
we were obliged to Land at a place call'd 18 mile
Creek.- The Land from Braddocks Bay to this
place very low and swampy. - here we
found a fine pleasant Bank 20 or 30 feet high, the
soil tolerable good, covered chiefly with Oak
Timber - while at this place we saw two Schooners pass by
which we supposed were from Kingston, on
the St.Lawrence, bound to Niagara - The
wind continuing to blow hard we pitch'd
our Tents.

About 1 A.M. it being Calm, we
again moved forward and about 6 arriv'd
at the Fort of Niagara - the shore, the
last 18 miles, being very pleasant, a level
flat Bank about 20 feet high - the Timber
which we take to be Oak appearing very
tall and fine. - The distance from Oswego to
Niagara as we coasted it, along the south side
side of Lake Ontario, being reckoned 160 miles
- Niagara Fort is very pleasantly situated on
a high point of Land, having Lake Ontario on
the North, and the Gut, or Niagara River on the
west.- After having refresh'd ourselves at a
Tavern in the Garrison, where the entertainment
was but indifferent, and the Charge very high,
we cross'd over the River to the New Town of
Newark, Col. Pickering having previously
engaged a House, wherein we could spread
our Mattrasses, and Cook our Victuals. - when
we landed at Niagara we found a Vessell with
her Sails loose, and just on the point of sailing
for Oswego, in order to bring us to Niagara

- First day - Remained all day at New-ark, which is situated nearly opposite to the
Fort, the River, or Gut, between them being about
three quarters of a Mile wide, the Town con-
tains about 20 houses, and others building
– the Land in the vicinity but indifferent,
much inferiour to that near the Fort – at
this place we met with Governor Randolph
and Col. Pickering, the other two Commissioners
who, with General Lincoln, the Secretary & Rich’d Hillery are entertain’d by Governor Simcoe.–
At our arrival here we were inform’d the Indians
Indians would not be ready to attend the
treaty before the last of next month.

In the morning before breakfast had a Visit
from Governor Simcoe, who had some Conversation
with Friends respecting the Militia Laws, and
appeared very desirous that they might be so mo-
delled in this Government as to be as little oppressive
as possible - about 8 A.M. embark'd in our Boats
and at 11 Landed at the Kings Stores 9 miles from
Niagara - the Banks on both sides, all the way
up, being high and steep, and the shores very
bold, so that there are but few places wherethat are
convenient for Landing - to this place the River
is navigable for large Vessells - here in the
afternoon we had the satisfaction to meet
with our Friends John Parish, Joseph Moore
and John Elliott, who came from Philadelphia
in Company with Govern’r Rand olph & Col. Pickering
- Our Baggage, Stores, &ca. were deposited in
the Kings Stores, and we pitch'd our Tents
upon the Hill above the Landing, a number
of soldiers lay in Huts on the low grounds
below, who are very sickly, numbers dying
daily with the Dysentery.

Our small Batteaux were all dis-
charged and sent back to Schenectady - about
about 11 this morning we were visited by
Govr Simcoe, Govr Randolph, Col Pickering
&ca.-Governor Simcoe kindly offered us the use
of his House, which stands empty among the
Soldiers Huts at the foot of the Hill, but it being
an unhealthy situation, we acknowledged his
kindness, and abode in our Tents - The poor
sickly Soldiers were also removed from this
unhealthy spot, and encamp'd on the Top
of a Hill, about half a Mile from us - this
afternoon Jos. Moore & J. Lindley left us in order
to visit some People in the Neighbourhood.

Steady Rain the greatest part of the Day -
some of our Company went down to Navy Hall to
visit the Commissioners, where it was concluded
that Friends, together with J.Hackenwelder and
Dr. McCoskry might be at Liberty to proceed to
Detroit, and there remain until the time
of the Treaty.

The Rain still continued all the last Night
and the greatest part of this Day - Dr. McCoskry went
down to Navy Hall and procured our passports to
Detroit - in the evening we were joined by Jacb. Lindley, and had a visit from William Brandt
a Tuscarora Chief, who appear'd to be a sensible
and well behaved Man - he resides at a Village
about 3 miles from this place on the East Side
of the River - J. Parrish, J. Elliott and W.Savery
removed their Mattrasses into a House on
account of the Rain, the rest of us kept in our
Tents in which we lay dry and comfortable.
Some remarkable expressions which dropt
from Governor Simcoe, in the Visit, mentioned in
the Morning of the 27th, being omited in the proper
place, are in substance as follows - He said that
falsehoods had been intimated by American Com-
missioners at former treaties with the Indians, in
respect to the British Government ceeding to the
United States the absolute property of the Indian
Country, as the price of Peace, - nothing more
being intended by that Article of the Treaty, than
the right of preemption, which he fully acknow
-ledged, and said that the British Government had no
right to purchase Lands of the Indians within
the limits mark'd out by the Treaty - He fur-
ther said that the Indians had been treated
with cruelty and injustice, and that it was
his opinion they never would make peace
except the River Ohio was made the boundary
line. - He further said that scandalous
falsehoods had been propagated in the News
papers of the United States, respecting the
British still keeping possession of the West-
ern Ports, that the only reason was the
the noncompliance of the United States with
two Articles of the Treaty of Peace - let these
Articles be complied with and the Forte shall
be immediately complied with evacuated,
and, he added, with some degree of warmth
- I know the disposition of your people, - what
signifies that Pidgeon House - pointing to the
Fort - I know you can take it - it is not
in the strength the place that I put my
dependance, but it is in this, that we have
Boston, New York and Philadelphia in
Mortgage for your peaceable behaviour.

Rain all these 24 hours almost without
intermission - J. Heckenwelder and Doctr. MoCoskry
set off for Fort Erie in order to enquire after a
passage to Detroit. - This day J.Moore join'd us,
and we were visited by Captain Hendrick and
some of the Stockbridge Indians, most of whom
speak good English, and appear to be a civil well-
-behaved people.

This morning the Rain abated - took
a walk up the River.- immediately from the
Landing the Bank rises to the heigth of more than
150 feet above the surface of the Water, - the
range of high Land, extending each way from
the River, about an East and West course - the Land
below towards Lake Ontario, being a Level plain,
the greatest part well-timbered and fertile, many
beautiful settlements on the West bank of the
River towards Newark. - the Land after
rising the Hill above, towards Lake Erie,
being also a plain level Country, equal in
beauty and fertility to that below - as far
as I could discover, the Banks of the River,
from the Landing to the Falls,
of the heigth, perhaps from 150 to 200 feet,
are almost perpendicular, the greatest part
of solid Rock, it being the opinion of many,
that the Falls were originally near the Landing, but the
prodigious Body of Water that precipitates down
them, has worn the channel, 6 or 7 miles up
to its present situation – from a high point
on the West Bank, had a view of the River
down to the Lake, and by a small pocket
Compass found that Fort Niagara bore from
one N. by W. – In the afternoon Wm. Savery
and myself went on Horse Back to see
the great Falls, on the way found the country thickly
inhabited, all new settlements.- The River
just above the Falls I suppose to be a mile
wide, and the depth in some places 6 or 8 feet,
this prodigious body of water, conjectured to be
more than double the quantity that comes down
the Falls of Delaware near Trenton, with
amazing rapiddity shoots over the edge of a
solid perpendicular Rock, and Falls (according to
A. Elliotts account) 137 feet -

- for about a mile above the great Fall, there is
a continued succession of Cataracts, some of
them 3 or 4 feet perpendicular, this greatly en-
creases the rapiddity of the current, until it comes
to the edge of the Precipice, over which it dashes -

The River at the Falls is divided by a small
flat Island, of perhaps 250 yards in width, and twice
that number in length - the sides and upper end,
not much elevated above the surface of the River
above the Falls, the lower end, which is on a line
with the Falls, is a smooth perpendicular Rook, I suppose
of about 150 feet high.- The edge of the Rock over
which the water Falls, on the East side of the Island,
, is nearly a straight line,
and the River, on that side, I suppose to be 250 yards
wide, but the Water not so deep as on the West side
where its width is the same - the
edge of the Rook, on this side, forms near about
half a Circle, the convex side upwards


--The quantity of Water that passes on the West side,
I suppose to be double that which passes on the
East side of the Island, being in the middle 6 or 8
feet deep above the Falls.- It is said that by
actual survey there is found to be 50 feet fall in the
one mile of Rapids just above the Falls, and
from thence down to the Landing, 6 or 7 miles,
the rappidity of the River renders it altogether
impassable, in that distance the fall must be
very considerable, so that taking the whole
into view, we may conclude, that the surface
of the Water of Lake Erie, is nearly 300 feet above
that of Lake Ontario, the distance between these
Lakes being only 36 miles.

This being the first day of the Week we
attended a Meeting appointed by Friends, held in
a Barn, about 2 miles from the Falls, at which
were gathered a considerable number of sober
well-behaved People, and ended much to satisfac-
tion - in the evening return'd to our Encamp-
ment, and were visited by Cornplanter the Seneca
Chief.- This, and the preceeding day found plenty
of ripe Strawberries.

Hearing of a Vessell laying at Fort Erie,
ready to Sail for Detroit we this morning got one of our
Batteaux carried by Land to the mouth of
Chippeway Creek two miles above the Falls,
the distance 9 miles. [Cartage of Goods 2/N. York
Carr'd. J Au.]

Embark'd in our Batteaux and pushed up
against a rapid Stream 18 miles to Fort Erie,
where we embark'd on board a Kings Vessell,
a schooner of about 100 Tons burthen, called
the Dunmore, commanded by Captain Ford,
whose conduct towards us was civil and obliging.
- The Country from Chippeway Creek, on the
West side, up to Fort Erie, is very thickly inhabited
chiefly by new settlers from the united States.-
We had on board the Dunmore 12 passengers
in the Cabbin, several in the Steerage and
upwards of 60 Indians, of different Tribes, on Deck,
which with the Sailors, Marines etc., made the
whole number on board, amount to upwards of
90 Souls - the River from Chippeway to Fort Erie is from l ¼ to 2 miles wide, in which
are several fine Islands - the Course nearly
North and South.

About 2 P.M.a fair wind springing
up made Sail and got out into the Lake

6th, 7th and 8th. Variable Winds, and mostly
>from the Southward with some Rain.

At Noon passed the Bass Islands through
the Northermost Channell, in which we found
from 3 to 7 fathoms of Water.- The Bass Islands
extend quite across the Lake about 40 miles
below the mouth of Detroit River and make
a very beautiful appearance, some of
them are 6 or 7 miles in length, and
we were informed are well cover'd with
Timber and of an excellent soil - the
smaller ones produce excellent Red
Cedar Ship Timber - this being first Day
had a Meeting in the Cabbin, with the Passengers
and some of the Chiefs among the Indians, -
which appear'd to give general satisfaction
- about 11 P.M. came to an Anchor in De-
-troit River - distance from Fort Erie to Detroit 285 m---

On coming upon Deck this morning we
were agree­ably surprised to find ourselves sailing
up a fine River, with Plantations of new settlers
on both sides - the father we advanced up, the
beauty of the prospect increased, and when we
came within 6 or 7 miles of the Town, a sight
of the kind more pleasing, I think I never saw.

The Country here was first settled
by the French, it is said above one hundred years ago,
whose decendants, in a general way, are still the
Proprietors, and by whom that Language (with
but few exceptions) is only spoken. - The front
of each Lot on the River being but narrow, is
almost wholly taken up with Buildings, Gardens
and fine thrifty orchards, so that it has almost
the appearance oft one continu­ ous Village quite up
to the Town - we sometimes could count four
or five Windmills in sight at once, and a
pretty large Romish Chapple stands on the East
side of the River, about 4 miles above the town.
- about 9 A.M. came to an Anchor before
the Town of Detroit, - the distance from the
mouth of the River 18 miles - course N b E
- Detroit stands on the west side of the River, is
a compact dirty little Town, containing about 100
small Houses, entirely surrounded by a picquet
Wall, having several Gates which are always shut at 9 oClo.
- The Merchants of this place carry on a great
Trade with the Indians, 8 or 10 Vessells being em-
ployed by them on the Lakes, who sail from Fort Erie in a Circuitous rout, sometimes to the dis-
tance of above 1000 miles to the Westward.

Upon our arrival at Detroit, after
some enquiry, took up our quarters at the
house of Matthew Dolsen, who keeps a good
table and an orderly House, - we lay upon our
own Mattresses, and pay 4/ per day each, for
our diet, exclusive of Liquor - Imported Goods
are double the price they are in the
United States, and Country produce nearly
as high - a good calf is sold for £4.10 N.Y. Curr.,
a Cow for £15.-, - Wheat 12/ per Bushel, -
Salt 60/ per bushel. Soon after our arrival
went out to visit Captain John a Chief
of the Mohawks, and other Indians, who were
our fellow passengers on board the Dunmore,
we found them sober, and had some friendly
conversation with them, endeavoring to
inform them of our motives of leaving
home, with which they seemed well pleas'd,
and assured us of their hearty friendship
- but the next day exhibited a very different
scene - the War dance­ Captain John
and most of his party were drunk - they
were almost naked and frightfully painted
which with their Yells, musick and Tomahocks
afforded an entertainment, by no means
pleasing - before they came to the door of
our Lodging, Captain John, who did
not join in the Dance, came forward, to assure
us, that no injury was intended - We were obliged
to give them a little Cyder and Tobacco. - It is a
regulation in this Garrison that no Indian is
allowed to remain within the Picquet all night,
- on the 13th Captain John, and his party, set
off to attend the great Council of Indian
Tribes, to be held, previous to the Treaty, at the
Rapids of the Miami River.

This morning breakfasted with Matthew Elliott,
Deputy superintendant of Indian Affairs, and on
our return went to see a party of Chippeways,
who had just came down from Michillamackanac,
and were on their way to the great Council
--we found them drunk--at first they shook
hands with us, but soon grew furious, calling
us in their way, long knife, and on our going
away, two of them came after us, and with furi-
ous countenances, and violent gestures, insisted
upon our returning, which we declined doing,
and walk'd away - we were afterwards
informed, by a person who accidentally happened
to be present, and understood their Language,
that they said they wanted us to go back that
they might take our scalps - One of the two
that followed us had his face painted black,
his head decorated with black feathers, and
a Scalp hanging at one Ear.-- this day we
were invited to Dine with the officers of the
24th Regiment, who treated us with great
politeness, and hospitality, there was near
15 officers at Dinner besides their guest.

Captain Hendrick, and his party, went off towards
the Miami - Captain Hendrick appears to be the most
thoughtful and civilized Indian we have met
with, and almost the only one that we have
not seen drunk since we came to this place
- we this day had a visit from some of the
Wiandots, who reside not far from hence, they appear
to have some knowledge of our society, and were
very friendly.

This morning Captain Ford sailed for Fort Erie
- by him I wrote to New York - at 10 A.M.our friends
had a large satisfactory Meeting at Detroit, at
which many Officers and Soldiers attended-
in the afternoon at 4 oClock had another Meeting
about 6 miles down on the east side of the
River, at which were gathered a considerable
number of well­behaved People - This day
the Chippeways went on to the Council, at
their departure, they sang the War Song,
with great shouting etc. - in the evening
arrived the Snow Chippeway from Fort Erie, in
this Vessell a number of the Six Nation Indians
came Passengers.

Accounts are circulating here, and generally
believed, that General Wayne has advanced his
Army, a considerable distance from Fort Washing-ton, toward the Indian Country - this, it is said,
adds greatly to the jealousy and rage of the Indians
- several Tribes, on the strength of these reports,
we are inform'd, are return'd back to their
Towns - the circulation of these reports, which
is generally done by deserters from the American
Army, will, in all probability, protract the time
of holding of which the Treaty made , if not
totally defeat this desirable event - some in
this place have thrown out hints as if the
Commissioners already were began to be apprehensive of
personal danger, and meant not to advance any
further. - John Parrish, Joseph Moore, and John Elliott
having some days ago dined with Col. England,
the Commandant, Jacob Lindley, W.Savery and
myself, were this day, with much politeness,
kindly entertained by the same Gentleman.

Much pestered with visits from the Indians
whose chief motives for these civilites, is to get
a little Rum, but in this they are disappointed,
we having come to a resolution to give them
none, but put them off with a little Tobacco etc.

Cross'd the River with J. Parrish, J. Lindley,
J. Moore and J. Elliott, (W.Savery being unwell)
and went down about 6 miles on the East
side - the good Land on the banks of the River
on both sides does not extend above a mile
back, beyond that it is low and marshy,
little or none of it cultivated. - saw some beau
beautiful pieces of wheat, fine orchards, full
of fruit, Cherries ripe, and Cucumber vines
just beginning to run.- The Land being rather
low, their Indian corn is very short, about 8 or 9
inches high in general. - We dined at Fredk. Arnolds, one of the society of the Dunkards, who
a native of Germany, who formerly lived in
Pensylvania, he inform'd me he purchased the
place he now lives on, an old French settlement
containing about 100 acres, with a tolerable good
House, Barn and Orchard, for 300 N.Y. Currency.
­ He also let me see his Certificates, from
Government, for Lands granted to him and his
Children, by which I find they (the Certificates) are not, in
any shape, transferable, either by sale, assign
assignment, or Donation, and that the Titles
are to be given upon such Conditions as may
be the Kings pleasure. - At 5 P.M. had a
solid satisfactory Meeting with a few of the
Inhabitants, at the House of John Mesemer,
where we tarried all night.

We proposed returning to Detroit this
morning, but the wind coming a head, and
blowing hard, prevented us - we went to
Francis Cornwalls, a Connecticut Man, were
we dined, and J.M. and myself, were kindly
entertained at his house all night.

Wind still at N.E. with much Rain
and very cold for the season - the transitions
from heat to cold, in this country, being very
frequent, and I think to a much greater degree than
in New Jersey - about 5 in the afternoon it began
to clear away, but the wind still against us, Jacob Lindley and John Elliott left us and went on foot
up to Detroit.

A fine pleasant morning - after breakfast
we embark'd in our Canoe, and with the assist-
ance of Fred Arnold, pushed up against the
current to Detroit - A young Canadian we met
with at F. Cornwall's inform'd us he had been
several voyage's in the N.W. Trade, that they
generally left Montreal in the begining of the
5th month, and that, without any stop
but making the best of their way, it took them so late
in the fall, that the Rivers were often frose, before they
got to their Journeys end. - the Indians they met with
there were mostly a harmless honest People. Their
Tents and dress being chiefly mostly made of Buffaloe Skins
- he says the distance they went with their
Canoe's taking the Course of the Lakes and Rivers
was more than 2000 Leagues from Montreal. - this evening
we were all invited to sup with the officers at
the mess Room.

Some Indians of the Chippeway Nation
came in from the great Council at Miami
who bring accounts, as we are told, that the
Indians are very backward in gathering, few
or none from the S.W. having yet come in,
owing, it is said, to the injudicious movement
of General Wayne. - Matthew Elliott gives it
as his opinion, that the treaty will not com-
mence before the middle of next Month - at
10 this morning had a Meeting in the Kings
Sail Loft, in which some experienced their
strength to be renew'd.

Various are the reports that we daily hear,
some of them exceedingly discouraging, insomuch
that some of our Friends of this place, in the most serious
manner, advise us not to think of attending
the Treaty.- This day J. Hacken­ welder, with
a number of his Brethren, the Moravian Indians,
came to the Garrison from their settlement on
the River La Trench, about 70 miles from hence,
by them we understand that the said Indians
Indians to the number of 140, were much
distress'd for want of provisions, occasioned by
their being frequently removed from place to
place, since their first forcible removal
from Muskingum - their approaching Crops, they
say, are very promising, but their main
dependance, in the meantime, is upon
such vegetables as the Fields and Woods afford,
, having but a very poor chance of
hunting in their new settlement - Friends
have it in contemplation to afford them
a little assistance - the price of Indian Corn
here, we are inform'd is 10/ per bushel.

This morning went down to the wharf
to see a Wolf that was kill'd last Night upon
an Island about 3 miles from this place, it had
by some means got there last Winter in the
time of the Frost, and had done a great deal
of damage, insomuch that the proprietor had
offered a Reward of twenty Dollars for killing
him. - he was much larger than a large
Dog, of a grey or grisly colour. - his legs
were as long as those of a large Deer, his Tail long
and tapering, thinly covered with long hair, and
his head in shape between that of a Dog and Fox.

this evening morning arrived three large bark
Canoes, with Twenty Eight Chippeways, from
Michillamackanac, on their way to Miami.

This morning sail'd the Snow Chippeway
for Fort Erie, in whom went passenger Richd. Hillery, by whom I wrote to New York.

Friends agreed with M.Dolsen to supply
the Moravian Indians with Corn and Flour,
to the value of one hundred Dollars, part of
which was this morning delivered,
for which they appear'd to be very grateful.

Dined with John Askin Esqr., a Merchant
of this place, by whom we were very agreeably
entertained. - he, in some measure, corrobe-
rated the account given by the Canadian on
the 22nd respecting the North West Trade - he
says that from a place called the Grand Portage,
at the upper end of the Lakes, they travel above
2000 miles to the Westward, in small bark
Canoes so light that two Men carry them - all the pro-
vision, allowed to each Man for this long
voyage, being no more than one bushel of
Indian Corn, that has been boil'd in Lye and hull'd
and a little greese* (of what kind I know not)
to mix with it.- this stock of corn is reserved
for extraordinary occasions when they can
neither get Fish or kill anything with their Guns.
- the Labouring People, in these long and tedious
journeys, are all Canadians, who eat their
Fish and Flesh without either bread or and Salt
- at Dinner we had fresh Fish brought in
a Sloop, six days from Lake Superior, they
were the White Fish and Salmon trout, they
would weigh about 6 lb. each, both exceeding good, but
the White Fish, I think, rather preferable - in
the afternoon arrived the Sloop Felicity from
Grand River on Lake Erie, in her came a
number of Indians Passengers - in conversation
with M.Elliott, he gave it as his opinion, that
four weeks would yet elapse before the commi
Treaty began.

had some conversation with Capt Drake,
an intelligent Man, who has for several years
navigated a Vessell on the Lakes, by him was
inform'd that from Detroit to the entrance of Lake

~~~~~~~~~~

*Hogs Lard and Tallow mixt together

Lake St.Clair was about 6 miles, the length
of said Lake 21 miles, from the N.W. end of
Lake St. Clair to the entrance of Lake Huron,
through a very beautiful River, 15 Leagues, from
the lower end of Lake Huron to the rapids
of St.Mary's (the entrance into Lake Superior),
72 Leagues, at the rapids of St.Mary's there
is a portage of a mile and a half, when goods
are again shipped in large Vessells, who
carry them 100 Leagues up Lake Superior to what is called
the Grand Portage, from whence they go
in small Canoes, to the North west.- He says
that there are above One thousand Men
constantly employed in the N.W. Trade
above the Grand Portage. - He further says
there are many mistakes in the drafts heretofore
made of the Lakes, they not being done from
actual surveys, but principally from
the vague reports of Canadian traders &ca. - that
the tales that have been told respecting Thund
Thunder Bay in Lake Huron is altogether a
farce, that in the course of many years, which
he has now sail'd upon that Lake, he never
was sensible of more thunder there, than at
any other place on the Lake - that the
length of Lake Superior ie much less than
generally represented, and that from two
opposite points, about the middle of said
Lake, the width does not exceed 70 miles.

Very warm and sultry with Thunder
and rain. - about 10 at Night
five or six Guns were fired just without the
Pickets, which, at first, as we lay in Bed,
alarmed us not a little, but we were desired
to make ourselves easy, as, in all probability,
it was nothing more than some people who
had been watching for Wolves, or shooting
at Indians who were robbing Cherry Trees

Visited by a Chief of the Wiandot Indians
who was sober and intelligent, he spoke
respectfully of our Society, and said that
many Belts of Wampum, and other mem
memorials of ancient Friendship received
from them, were still carefully preserved
by their Nation. - expressed the satisfaction he
felt in seeing so many of the people call'd
Quakers, and said, as the Great Spirit had
been with them, brought them so far -
through the Wilderness, and preserved them
all in good health, so he hoped, he would still
continue to be their rotector through every
danger, and carry them safe home.

being in Company with Nathan Williams, a sensible Man who had
formerly been a Trader, and well acquain
acquainted with the Indians - he express'd
his apprehensions on our account,
and openly gave it as his opinion, that
if we attended the Treaty, we should either
be kill'd, or detained as Prisoners.

were informed that the Guns we heard
last Night, were fired at Wolves, by People who
were watching for them, near the Carcases
of several dead Sheep which were kill'd
by them the Night before

First day - early this morning had a
Visit from the Blind Chief, a head Man among
among the Wiandots, with several of
his attendants, they were sober, and what
is remarkable, neither these Men, nor
those that visited us yesterday, made any
request for Rum. - at 10 A.M. had a
Meeting in the Sail Loft, and another at
the same place at 5 in the Afternoon, at
both of which were a pretty large number
of Soldiers, and Towns people, and a few
of the officers of the Garrison, their conduct
generally was very commendable, and
the Meetings, in the main, solid and
satisfactory.- In the evening there
was a Marriage at our Lodgings, - the
Young Man is a settler upon the River
La Trench, and a Nephew to our Landlord
M.Dolsen, the Young Woman is a Native
of Virginia who was taken a Prisoner by
the Indians, from whom she made her
escape. - the Ceremony was perform'd by
J. Arken Esq, and the whole decently condu
conducted.

was an Eye witness of a Funeral in
the Popish Style








-- This afternoon
arrived the Snow Ottaway from Fort Erie, by
this Vessell, we learn, that the day before she
sail'd, an Express came to the Commissioners
from Philadelphia, and another from Fort Pitt, - various are the reports here, some
favourable, others exceedingly discouraging,
but having no accounts from the Commissioner
we re anxiously waiting the next arrival
for further intelligence. - The Ottaway
brought a great number of Indians from
Fort Erie, all of whom were whom were Landed at the
Mouth of the Miami, except 17 of the Oneida
Nation, whom Colt Butler would not
permit to be left landed there, alleging they
were in danger of being killed by the other
Indians.- We had a Letter from a person,
who happened accidentally to be in company
with Colonel Butler, he inform'd us that
he heard him say, that, if the demands of the
Indians were not complyed with, it was
his opinion, that the Commissioners, and the
whole of their Retinue, would be massacre'd
- we also had a Letter from Col.McKee, the
British Agent, in answer to one wrote him.
- he dates his Letter from the Foot of the Rapids
of the Miami River, and promises to give us
the earliest intelligence of the time when the
Treaty will likely commence

The following Account is taken from
a Quebec Almanac, for the Year 1792

The Names of all the different Indian
Nations in North America (hitherto discover 'd )
the situation of their Countries, with the
Number of their Fighting Men.

The weather for several days past
being very sultry, Our Landlord invited the
whole of our Company, viz. Six Friends,
Wm.Wilson, (Merchant from Fort Pitt & Indian
interpretter,) Doctor McCoskry, & J. Heckenvelder,
to spend the Day at his Farm about five
miles below on the opposite side of the
River.- We set off about 9 oClock, taking
with us provision &ca., and spent an
agreeable day under a pleasant Shade on
the Banks of the River, - returning home
in the afternoon we cross'd the River, and
some of us landed at the Spring Well & walk'd
home, the distance being three miles, and the
Road very pleasant.

Perplex'd with various reports, and
contradictory opinions.- it is said, the
American A:rmy ie still advancing, and
that an encampment is form 'd, in front of
Fort Jefferson, within 30 miles of where the
last Battle was fought.- that the Indians
are more & more settled in their
determination, that nothing short of the
boundary line being fixt on the River Ohio,
will ever induce them to lay down the
Hatchet, - that, in consequence of this
resolution, they have sent a deputation
to the Commissioners at Niagara, in order,
if their instructions does not impower
them to make such a Cession, to prevent
their taking the unnecessary trouble of
coming forward any further.- indeed,
it seems to be the prevailing opinion of
the day, that there will be no Treaty at
all. - A number of Philadelphia and
New York News Papers came to Colt England
by the Ottaway, some as late as the 23d of
last Month, since we have been favour'd
with the perusal of most of them - we
were sorry to find some irritating and
inflamatory pieces, particularly one, which
censures the Government of the United States,
for attempting to Treat with the Indians,
under British influence, ungenerously
branding the whole of that Nation with
the opprobious epithet of Cut Throats. - all
the officers, that we have as yet heard speak
upon the subject, make light of it, and
say, it is but little more than what, at
times, appear in their own prints -
whither it is really their contempt of
such scandalous pieces, or their politeness,
which will not permit them to give us
uneasiness, that makes them appear
so indifferent, is what I will not determine.

Extremely Warm & sultry, light airs of
Wind from the South West. - Captn. Monsey
inform 'd us that the Thermometer belonging
to the Officers was, in the Shade, up to 100,
in the Sun it rose to 117 degrees.

from the best information I can gather it
appears that a great proportion of the Country
around the Lakes is low and Marshy, so as to
be wholly incapable of cultivation, and in
many places, of great extent, almost
intirely cover 'd with Water, in which grow
the Timber and long Grass, affording shelter
for wild Beasts, and Vermin, in abundance.

Had an interview with a Young Shaw--nese Warrior, who is lately from the Council
at the Rapids - his Brother is a head Man
amongst them, and he being often with
them in Council, is acquainted with the result
of their deliberations, so far as they have come
to a conclusion among themselves - he inform'd
us, there are about 1200 collected at the Rapids,
mostly the Northern Indians, and 700 of
the Southern Indians, are embodied at
another place, a considerable distance,
up the same River, watching the motions of General Waynes
Army.­ he confirms the account of a
Deputation being sent to the Commissioners,
and that the object of their Mission was, in
substance, the same as has already been
noted - that they have most decidedly come
to a resolution, to accept of no terms short of
making the Ohio the boundary line. - Our
Interpretter was formerly a Prisoner among the
Shawnese, and had been adopted into the family
of this Young Man, in the place of his Father,
and in their discourse the Indian gave him
that appellation, saying, my Father, I will
tell you what I know, and speak the truth - in
the begining of the World, this Land was given
to the Indians, and the White People were placed
beyond the great water - when the white Men
first came to this Land, the wise old Men
among the Indians, told their People, that if
they received anything of the white Men, they
would be destroyed,­ "the bitter Water was made
for white folks, but the Water of the Brooks and
Rivers for, the Indians, - but not regarding
this advice, many of the Nations Traded with
the Whites, took their Hatchets, Knives and
Rum, and gave up their Land for trifles,
and, according to the ancient prediction, they
have wasted away, and some of them -
become quite extinct, and the few that
are remaining are driven, almost to
to where the sun sets, but they are now
determined to be driven no further, should
they go to where the Sun sets, they would
all be lost forever. - The Congress must
remove their Forts, and all their People over
the River, and then the Indians will take
them by the hand, and become their true
friends - but should the Commissioners
meet the Indians in Council, and there
pretend that they have conquered their
Country, and will not remove out of it, in
that case, the Indians will withdraw from
the Council, and then, instantly, fall upon
the opposite party, and destroy them all -
this is the substance of what he said as
intrepretted by Sylvester Ash Sylv Ash, as near as I can re-
member. -- This day the Ottaway sail'd
for Fort Erie, in whom M.Elliott embark'd,
to be landed at the Mouth of. the Miami River
- Thermometer, in the Shade 102, in the
Sun 123 - In the evening after having
made the above remarks, the Shawen-ese Warriour abovementioned return'd to our
our Lodgings, being in Liquor, he desired
to enquire of the Landlord whither
he could tarry in hie House all Night, but
being told that it was contrary to the regulations
of the Garrison, he seemed to be displeased, and
ask'd for his Tomahawk, which Ash had in
keeping, and going up stairs to get it, the
Indian followed him, and on receiving it,
said he was Drunk, and did not know what
might happen before Night - then lifting
his Tomahawk, attempted to strike Ash,
who being upon his guard, seized his arm
and pushed him down Stairs - he then
went up to M. Dolsen, knock'd off his Hat,
and in the Indian tongue, bid him be
Strong, and see if he could turn him
out, and made a stroke, in which the
Hatchet flew off the halve. - Dolsen im-
-mediately seized him, turned him out of
the House, and bruized him pretty much,
the Indian seeing his blood run, and
having recovered his Tomahawk, flourished
it about in a great rage, and in all
probability, had not Capt. Munsey, an
officer of the Garrison, been present, some
mischief would have been done, but
the captain took away his Tomahawk,
and sent for a Guard, who turn'd him out
of the Fort.

Arrived the Sloop Felicity from the
Miami River - people here are more
and more confirmed in the belief that it
will not be safe for us to attend meet the
Indians at Sandusky. - this day also
arrived the Schooner Nancy from
Michillamackanac

being first day had a satisfactory
Meeting, at the usual place and time,
in the Morning, and also Friends had
another at 4 in the afternoon, five or
six miles from hence, at the River Rouge,
at which, not being very well, I was
not present. - Captain John a Chief
of the Mohawks arrived from the Council
at the Miami River, and also two or three
Indians of the Stockbridge Nation, with
a Letter from Captain Hendricks, their Chief
- they confirm the accounts, already receiv'd
received, of a deputation being set down
to the Commissioners

Had a visit from David Kennedy, a
half Indian, of the Mohawk Nation, who had
been Educated in Scotland, sensible well-informed
Man, but too much adicted to the vice so
prevalent among the Indians, the Love of
Rum, - he came in company with Capt. John from the Council - says he was
not admited into the secret Council of the
Indians, but from what he could gather, was
not without a hope that peace may be
established. - The Stockbridge Indians return'd
return'd to their Chief at the Miami, with
a small supply of necessaries, afforded
them by Friends.

Captain Blue Jacket, the famous Chief
of the Shawnese, who commanded at the
defeat of General St. Clair, paid us a Visit
this morning, - he is a stout well-looking
Man of about 45 years of age, Dress'd in
in a Shirt, scarlet Coat, with gold apaulets
and a Gold laced Hat, Leggins and Mockasins,
but, as all other Indians are, without Breeches.
-He was very cautious of speaking upon
public affairs, said he was not the Head-
Man of his Nation, but only a War-chief,
as such he had given his opinions with
them sentiments to the Council, and now
left it with them; whose business it was, to
determine as they might think proper
- said he had heard we were in Detroit,
and having some business this way, came
to see us, but had nothing to say on Public
matters - he had often heard of Quakers, he
said, but had never seen any of them be-
fore, and, expressing his regard for them,
and satisfaction with the Visit, took his
leave. - Friends had a desire to be more
particular with him, in regard to the Objects
which induced them to take this long Jour-
ney, but the Interpretter not seeming to
be disposed to gratify them in that respect,
they were constrained, after expressing a little
of their desires for the Peace and wellfare of man kin
mankind, to be silent. - Blue Jacket
said that should the Commissioners & Indians
meet at a Treaty, and matters like to be ac-
-commodated, it was his opinion it would
be two Months before the business would be
compleated. - this day sail'd the Schooner
Nancy for Fort Erie, a Merchant Vessell, with
a Cargo of Peltry, and Indian-made Maple-
Sugar, by this it may appear, that a greater
quantity of Sugar is procured from the Indians
than is consumed in this part of the Country,
how much lower down, the Country is
is not supplied in the same way,
is what I cannot determine, but from the
best information, I am ready to think, that
very little foreign Sugar, if any, if any foreign sugar (except refined)
is consumed in Upper Canada.

Arrived the Sloop Detroit from Fort Erie, we hear by this Vessell that the-
Commissioners had taken their passage
in the Dunmore, and may be hourly
expected.- The Chippeways in which the
the Indian Deputies embark'd, had not
arrived at Fort Erie when the Detroit Sail'd.
- We are told the Commissioners are not
to come to this Garrison, but to Land, and
encamp, at the mouth of the River, there
to wait the proper time to proceed to Sandusky
- in the Detroit came up the Cordage for a
new Vessell, now building on Lake Superior

Dined at James Abbotts, a Merchant of this
place, we were kindly entertained, and spent
an agreeable afternoon.

Spent the Day at M.Dolsen's place on
the East side of the River.- In the afternoon
sail'd the Sloop Detroit for the Falls of St.Mary's,
and about the time arrived the
Sloop Saganough from Fort Erie, by this
Vessell we were informed that the Commissioners
were all on on board the Dunmore, ready
to sail, and only waiting for a Wind, when
the Chippeway arrived with the Indian
deputies, on which a Council was held, the
result was, that, at the request of the Indians,
the Commissioners were to return to Navy
Hall, in order that Governor Simcoe might
be present at the conference.

was invited by Wm. Baker, late of New
York, shipwright, to take a sail up the
River as far as Lake Sinclair - set off about
9 oClock and had a pleasant run up
to the upper end of Hog Island, from whence
we had a view of Lake Sinclair, and
return'd home in the evening - for
about the distance of 10 miles, nothing
of the kind, that ever I saw, exceeds the
banks of this River for the beauty of its
prospects, - The Lots are all regularly laid
out, being in front three square Acres
only in breadth, on which are the build-
-ings, Gardens and Orchards.- In the
afternoon of this day arrived the Sloop
Speedwell from Fort Erie, who furnished
us with intelligence from various-
quarters.- we had several Letters from
Philadelphia address'd to our Company
jointly, and most of our friends had
particular accounts from their dear
connections at Home. - we had also
a joint letter from Col Pickering, in
behalf of the Commissioners, with a large
bundle of Philadelphia Newspapers as
late as the 6th ultimo. -- Col. Pickering
informs us they were all on board, and
ready to Sail, when the Indian Deputies
arrived, who informed the Commissioners,
their business was to have a conference
with them in the presence of Governor Simcoe, this he says will unavoidably
occasion a delay of some days, if not
supersede the intended Treaty.- we
are now anxiously waiting the arrival
of the Dunmore, who in all probability,
will either bring forward the Commissioners,
or information that all hopes of a
Treaty are vanished.

- Being first day had a Meeting in the
Sail Loft, which was large and on
on the whole satisfactory

The Weather for these several Days past
has been cool and pleasant, the wind N.W.
with a clear and serene sky­ Wheat Harvest
is now begun in this neighbourhood

Friends being a little uneasy with being
so long in a state detained in a state of
idleness, waited upon Matthew Elliott, to
know his sentiments, in respect to our
visiting the Indians assembled at the Miami
- he gave it as his opinion, that, as they
were now holding a Council on their own
affairs, it would not be prudent, without an
invitation from them, to take such a step;
but if Friends but, as he expected to go there
himself in a Day or two, if Friends had
an inclination to send them a Message,
he would punctually deliver it. - This
being taken into consideration, and there
being a probability that we may not
have another opportunity of communicating
our sentiments, and the motives which
which induced us to come forward,
we gladly accepted the offer

Captain Elliott intending this day
for the Indian Council, the following ad-
dress was agreed to, and enclosed in a
Letter to Colonel McKee, who is desired
to communicate the same to the Indians

Some of our Friends had an interview
with a Person of the Name of Wilbank, who-
within a few days past arrived, with a Party
of 26 Southern Indians, from the back parts of
the Carolina's and Georgia, at the Great Council
at the Miami, - he came from thence to this
place, and a Vessel is to be dispatched immediately
to carry him down to Governor Simcoe. He says,
that the Indians have in several instances
been grossly imposed upon, particularly by
Governor Blount, who by bribing an Interpreter
had cheated them out of a great extent of
Country, and defrauded them of one half
the Sum, agreed upon to be paid yearly, as
as a compensation for the Land granted,-
in one instance where they had agreed to
sell 50 miles square they had fraudulently
put in the Deed 80 miles - and where they had
had bargained for an extent of 10 miles
round the Town of Nashville, Governor Blount
had caused 40 miles to be inserted.- and instead
of a Consideration of 2000 Dollars yearly, he had
put down but 1000 dollars.- This being but
one side of the question, we do not pretend to
Judge, but it is the received opinion here, that
their errand to the Council is, to form a Union
with the Northern Indians, and make One
common cause, either in forming a Treaty,
or carrying on a War. - The Vessell (the Felicity) to Carry
Wilbank to Fort Erie, sail'd about 2 oClock:-
- Yesterday a young Man going out to look
for Horses, got lost in the Woods, which are very
thick within less than a Mile of the Fort.-
several 18 pounders were fired in the afternoon
in order to direct him in finding the way back,
which, I suppose had the desired effect, as I am
informed he got safe home in the Evening -
- several instances of the kind have before
occurred, and sometimes the persons lost have
never returned. - It is said some little time
past, two Indians were kill'd by the Wolves
in the Neighbourhood of this place.

Having received many civilities from
the officers of the 24th British Regiment, now at
this place, gratitude induces me to wish to
remember their names, which from a printed
account published in the year 1792, I find to be
as follows.-

The Wind which for many days past
has been from the S.W.and consequently
unfavourable for coming up the Lake, yesterday
and today has blown from the N.E., so that
we are now hourly in hopes of having
intelligence from below, which we expect
will cause our immediate removal from
this place

Being First Day, a Meeting was
held at 10 oClock in the Sail Loft and
another at the same place at 5 in the
afternoon, both satisfactory.

About Noon arrived Lieut. Givens Gibbons of
the Queens Rangers, who brought the agree
able intelligence that the Dunmore, with
the Commissioners on Board had arrived at
the mouth of the River. - About 5 oClock,
(having Landed the Commissioners) the
Dunmore came up to the wharf, - in
the evening had a Visit from Lt. Givens Gibbons,
by him we are informed that the Com-
missioners are come forward with a
full expectation of a Treaty, very speedily,
being held. - He says the Deputation from
the Indians, who had a conference with
the Commissioners in the presence of Govnr. Simcoe, to all appearance, return'd well
satisfied, and that in his opinion there
is a great probability of an accomodation matters being
accomodated. - That the main business
of the Indian Deputies was to enquire, in
in the first place, whither the Com-
-missioners were properly authorized to
treat, and secondly, whither they had
power to recede from the boundary-
Line now claimed by the United States,
and being satisfied in both these points,
they took the Commissioners by the hand, and
presenting them with a Belt of white Wamp
-um, invited them to come forward to the
Treaty. - We are informed by Captain Ford that he has orders to attend upon the
Commissioners with his Vessell, and expects
to be ready to proceed to the Mouth of
the River in a Day or two.

We were busy in settling our little
concerns, and preparing to leave Detroit,
ware where we have experienced many marks
of polite attention, and hospitallity, especially
from the officers of the Garrison, beyond what
some of us expected or even flatter'd ourselves
was our due. - Our way hitherto, in every
every sense, has been made pleasant
beyond what could have been foreseen,
or reasonably expected, - for this great
favour, thanksgiving and praises are
due to the Great Author of every good

--The kind attention which, unrecom-
mended, we have received from Strangers, I
hope, will ever be kept in grateful re-
membrance, and I cannot but conclude,
the obligation is greatly enhanced by the
persuasion, that it proceeded not from
sinester motives, but was simply
the effusion of noble and generous Minds.

This morning Col. England called
at our Quarters, and kindly offered to
lend us his Barge to go down to go down
the River, or accommodate us in any
other way that might be more agreeable,
but, as the Dunmore would be ready to Sail
on the morning of the 25th, he would re-
commend it to us to wait untill that
time and go down in her - we
acknowledged his kindness, and concluded
to go in the Dunmore -- We were this
Day visited by a young Shawnese Warriour,
a relation of Col.McKee, the Brish Agent,
- His Shirt was red stript Persian, orna-
mented with One thousand Six hundred small
round silver Broaches.- He was accompanied
by another Beau, the rim of whose Ears were
cut all round, except about an inch of the
upper end part - the part thus cut was so
streatch'd, and wound about with coarse
brass wire, that it form'd an Oval of about
three inches in length and two in breadth,
at the lower end of which each hung an
a Silver Cross, of above four three inches long.

Got most of our Baggage, Stores etc. on
board the Dunmore, Captain Ford informing
us he intended to sail early in the
Morning.

About 9 oClock embark'd on board
the Dunmore for the mouth of Detroit River
River. - Col England having a desire
to see the Commissioners took a passage
with us, together with Lieut. Henn, and
Ensign O 'Brien. - We had a pleasant
Sail down the River, and in our way
spoke the Schooner Nancy from Fort Erie.
-at 2 oClock P.M. anchor'd opposite the
House of M. Elliott, where the Commissioners
have taken up their quarters-
We met
with a kind reception, and were truly
glad to find our very respectable fellow
Travellers in good health and spirits. --

- Captain Bunbury of the 5th. Regimt.
and Lieutn. Givens of the Queens Rangers
are appointed by Govn. Simcoe to bear
the Commissioners company to the
Treaty. - in the evening we
pitch'd our Tents on a very pleasant
Green on the River side, near the
House where the Commissnrs. reside. - Our
little encampment now consists of
Twelve Tents.

a very sultry day, - walk'd
about a Mile & a half down the River
Lake to Simon Girty's, who is an
Indian interpretter in the Brittish
Service, and now attending the
Council at the Miami River - in
the evening it became Cloudy with
distant Thunder, and before morning
we had a very heavy Rain with much
Thunder and Lightning - some of the
company were obliged to quit their Tents
and take shelter in the House.

This morning an opportunity
presenting, William Savery and Jos. Moore went up to Detroit in Company
with Gotlob Sansemen, a Preacher among
the Moravian Indians who reside on the
River La Trench.

John Parrish, Jacob Lindley, and
John Elliott and myself, went over to
to Gros Isle where we had a Meeting
at the House of Wm. McComb Esqr., who
for the most part resides at Detroit, where
his family is at present. - a considerable
number of the Inhabitants were present
- Gros Isle is situated at the Mouth of
Detroit River, is seven miles long and
two wide - The soil and Timber remarkably
good, the whole being the property of Wm. McComb. - several of our acquaintance
came from Detroit to pay us a Visit, among
whom John Asquith and Francs. Cornwall
- in the evening a number of the
Oneida Indians, the same who arrived
the first of this Month, were encouraged
by some of the young Men of our Company
to have a Dance, - they began about
8 oClock and continued untill 2 in the
Morning, during which time, their
Music and Shouts, effectually prevented
us from Sleeping.

Willm. Savery return'd from Detroit
in Company with Capt. Freeman and Ensign
Broadhead, Joseph Moore intending to
come down with the Schooner Nancy
who it is expected will leave Detroit tomorrow
on her way to Fort Erie.- In the evening
arrived two large Batteaux, with Captain Elliott, Tho. McKee (son of the Col.) and
a number of Indians who are said to be a
deputation from the great Council - Elliott
McKee and some others came over to
us, but the Indians landed on an Island
opposite to our Encampment. - We are
informed the Indians at the Council are
much dissatisfied with the conduct of their
Chiefs who met the Commissioners at Navy Hall
- that they either mistook their instructions,
or neglected to follow them, in consequence
of which, this second Deputation is sent.

- Their first and Principal business we
are told is to know of the Commissioners whither
whither they have power to make the
Ohio the boundary line, if not, the whole
business is at an end.

About 9 A.M. the Indian Deputies,
twenty five in number, came over and
had a public conference with the Commissionrs

-Their speaker (whose name in English is Carry- People-) express'd their gladness that it had pleas'd
the Great Spirit to bring the Commissioners thus
far in safety and good health, and then
proceeding to business, said, there had some
mistake happened at the Conference at Navy Hall, and in order to rectify which they
had now come forward wih a message
from the Council, and, that they might not
be liable to blunder a second time, they had
brought a Paper, which spoke what was in their their whole
Heart. - They then delivered the Letter, being
in substance the same as we were told last
night, - After a few minutes private consul-
tation, Genl. Lincoln, in behalf of the Commiss.
told them the Indians, that the Contents of the
Paper should be considered, and an Answer
given Tomorrow. - We were inform'd,
that, as Capt.Elliott, when he parted with
the Commissioners, on going to the Miami,
fully expected their would be a Treaty, had
concluded to leave the Letter to Col. McKee
(inclosing our Address to the Indians) of the
17th, with the Comissnrs. to be return'd to us,
which has been done accordingly.- about
4 P.M. Joseph Moore landed from the
Schooner Nancy, having left Detroit about
10 in the morning,- the Nancy proceeded on
her way to Fort Erie.

The Indians came over about 10 oClock, but
were informed that an answer would not be ready
for them before 5 in the afternoon,- about
that time the Deputies assembled, and Col. Pickering, in behalf of the Commissioners, ap
-pologized for making them wait so long for
an answer.- He then according to the
Indian custom, repeated over the Contents of
the written message brought from the Council
at the Miami, and proceed to read a very
lengthy answer, which in the first place
pointed out the improbability of any part of
the business being misunderstood at the conference
at Niagara, and stated such facts as made
it appear that such a pretence could be
nothing less than want of sincerity.- men
-mention was then made of the several
Treaties concluded since the establishment
of the Independance of the United States, and
of the new settlements made in consequence
of those treaties, and of the impossibility of
removing such a great number of Families
from their habitations and Farms; and
therefore, in the most explicit terms de-
clared declared that the United States could
not agree that the River Ohio should be
the boundary line.- In the next place
the Commissioners acknowledged that very
improper Language had been held out at
former Treaties, when it had been said that
the United States claimed all the Indian Coun
-try, (within certain limits mark'd out by
the Treaty of Peace with the British) as a con-
quer'd Country.- The Commissioners
therefore, in the clearest terms, now relin-
-quishd all such claim, reserving only the
preemption, or exclusive right of purchasing
of the Indians.- The Commissioners then
express'd their desires to meet the Indians in
full Council, and a belief that if such
work a thing could be done, and a friendly
conference take place, a satisfactory and lasting
Peace would be the consequence - They
concluded with intimating that for the
sake of an accommodation they would be
willing to give up all the Land to the N.W. of the
Ohio, excepting such only as were absolutely~
appropriated, and, for such as were appropri-
-ated, a generous compensation should be
paid down, and a yearly Rent allowed
forever.- The answer was interpretted
paragraphically as it was read, and then
the whole writing given to the Indians.

-The old Wiandot Chief who delivered the
message yesterday, got up and said, as the
sun was going down they would consider of what was said by
the Commissioners answer and speak a few
words to them in the Morning.

- The Indians came over about
7 oClock in the morning, and having met the
Commissioners in Council - the old Chief
who spoke last night arose, and said, they
perfectly understood all that was said to them
yesterday, and had only to say, that in
regard to the several Treaties mentioned
yesterday, they did not acknowledge any of
them to be valid, and as the Commissioners
had said they could not remove the white
People over the River, so they, the Indians,
could not consent to give up any of their
Country, and concluded with saying,
they came as Men wishing for Peace,
but as that could not be obtained, they
should return to their Council, and speak
to their warriors:- And as for the Commissioners.
they the Indians had nothing more to say to
them, they might go home, and tell the
President Washington what the Indians had said.-

-After the Indians had retired a few minutes,
Simon Girty their interpretter, and several of
their Chiefs, came back, and said, there had
been a mistake in the last part of the -
speech - that the business of the Deputies
was to carry the Commissioners answer to the
Great Council, and they desired the Comissnrs.
would wait a few days for a final answer.

-The Indians then immediately took their
leave, and Thos. McKee, about 11 oClock also
set off for the Miami, and as the prospect of meeting
the Indians at a general Treaty now
appears very faint, Friends concluded to forward
the address to the Indians, agreed upon the 17th ulto. ultimus
by him, under cover to his Father Col. McKee.

Being a pleasant day walk'd about four
miles down the Lake - the place where we are
encamp'd is the property of Capt. Matthew Elliott,
on which is a handsome convenient House,
and a very large new Barn - the Land appears
to be of an excellent quallity both for Grass and
every kind of Grain.- He has a large stock of
fine Cattle, among which are 12 yoke of Oxen,
and I counted 31 Calves and 43 milch Cows
- they are just now geting in the last of
their Harvest, the wheat and oats have suffer'd
much from prodigious flocks of Black Birds,
notwithstanding the vigilence of several
who were continually upon the watch to keep
them off - The Indian Corn is begining to
be fit for Roasting, and it is the business of
one hand to watch the Birds, who have
already done great damage in the field.

--The Black Birds, we are told, are equally
mischievious in all parts of the Country.

--Came down, and sail'd the Sloop anchor'd
opposite our Encampment, the Sloop Detroit
from Michilimackanac bound to Fort Erie.

This morning intended going in a Canoe
about 4 miles up the River to a Wiandot
Village, but the wind blowing hard from
the S.W. prevented us.

Heavy rain last night, and all this
morning untill Hoon - in the afternoon
had a Meeting at the House of Simon Girty
about 5 oClock.- about 11 A.M. the Chipeway
pass'd by on her way from Fort Erie and Miami
River, bound to Detroit - She sent on Shore
a Packet for the Commissioners from Philadelpa
among its contents were News Papers as
late at the 25th of the 6th month.

The Wind moderated, and Weather
clear'd away, - sail'd the Sloop Detroit for
Fort Erie.

About 2 oClock P.M. departed this Life a
poor Indian Slave who belonged to M. Elliott.

--There is a Nation far to the westward,-
called Panies, or Pawnees, with whom, it is said,
the Chippeway's are at perpetual war, - it
was a Custom formerly among these barbarous
Nations to put all their prisoners to Death,
but since their acquaintance with the
White People these prisoners are become an
article of Traffic, and sold to the Traders, --
who again dispose of them to the Settlers,
by this means Indian Slaves are become
numerous, and all, however acquired, go
under the denomination of Pawnees. --

-The poor fellow above mentioned was a Pawnee
and had for a long time been in a declining way,
but was so well this morning as to be able to walk
about the Door - he died at 2 in the afternoon and
was put in the Grave about 7 the same evening -
-The burial was attended by most of the Commissioners
retinue, and J.M. spoke a few words at the Grave
well adapted to the occasion.

This day the Commissioners were furnished
with a few ripe Water Melons, being the first I
have seen.

The wind blew hard from the Eastward
the greatest part of the last night, attended
with Rain- this Wind we hope will hasten
the arrival of a Vessell from Fort Erie, by whom
a Person is expected from Philadelphia that
was sent there an Express by the Commissioners
from Niagara.- Some of our company kill'd
one of the small black Rattle Snakes - there
skin is much darker than the large sort, -
they seldom exceed the length of 18 inches, and
have but two or three Rattles - there bite, is
is said to be very venomous, much more
so than that of the larger kind.

Last night arrived two of the Stockbridge Indians with letters from Hendrick their Chief, with
by which we were informed that there seem'd to be
a disposition in the Indian Council to admit
the Commissioners to a Treaty, and giving it
as his opinion that a Peace would be soon
established.- We are further told that the
place of Treaty is like to be altered from
Sandusky to the mouth of the Miami, and
that a Deputation from the Council may be
expected to this day or tomorrow, who were are to give
a favourable answer to the Commissioner's Speech
and attend them to the place of Treaty - about
10 oClock a Canoe with 7 Chipewa Indians from
the Council, arrived here on their way home.
--these people confirm the intelligence we received
last night, and we are again fill 'd with the pleasing
hope that this tedious and expensive Embassy will
not be altogethe fruitless.

Warm and sultry - anxiously waiting the
return of the Indians.

This morning arrived the Ottaway from
Fort Erie, in her came Jasper Parrish who was
sent an Express by the Commissioners from Niagara
to Philadelphia. - he brought Letters for most of
our friends, and News Papers as late as the
20th of last month.- The Chippeway also came
down from Detroit, bound to Fort Erie, and anchor'd
near our Encampment.­ Friends had a Meeting
this afternoon at Gros Isle, at which I was not
present.

Since we have been upon this spot we have
experienced from a certain class of Men, a treatment
very different from the generous politeness received
from their brethren at Detroit, but have a hope
that their ungenerous aspersions has not injured
us individua1ly or brought any reproach upon the
Society at large -- may their rude and ungenerous
attempts serve to keen us more upon our guard
and watchful over those weaknesses, which doubtless
are more or less, the portion of human nature.

In the Ottaway arrived Captain Wilbank
who came from the Southward with a party of
Indians, as beforementioned he this day
Dined with the Commissioners, and confirm'd
what was noted as coming from him on the
18th of last month, and gave a more full in-
-formation of the complaints of the Southern
Indians, and of the attempts of the Spaniards to
foment the difference subsisting between them
and the United tates.

In the forepart of last night had a
sudden and heavy fall of rain which made
our Tents very uncomfortable for the remainder
of the night.- The Commissioners growing
impatient at the delay of the Indians, sent
off an Express to the Council in order
to hasten their answer.

Two Wiandots from the other side inform
us that an Indian from the Council arrived
last night at their Village with intelligence that
there had been great debates among them res
respecting the answer to be return'd to the
Commissioners The Shawnese, Delawares,
Wiandots and Miami's being for war, and
the Six Nations, on the Contrary, peacably inclined,
that finally the Six Nations had prevail'd and
messangers were to be dispatched three Nights
ago with a favourable answer, and an invitation
for the Commissioners to come forward.- One of
the Wiandots abovementioned was a White Man
taken by the Indians in his infancy, he cannot
speak a word of English, he can give no or give any account
of his Family; and only remembers that his
Name was Honnes - His Ears were cut, and
himself, in all respects, dress'd & ornamented
in the Indian stile - dullness and stupidity
seemed to be spread over his Countenance, and
his whole appearance could not but raise
emotions of sorrow and commiseration.

About 4 P.M. the long look-for answer
arrived which at once put an end to all
to all hopes of a Peace at present - the
substance of this lengthy reply, which fill'd
near two sheets of Paper was, that no consi-
-deration would induce the Indians to
give up their Country, and nothing short
of making the Ohio the boundary could give
them satisfaction, and if the Commissioners
could not agree to this there would be no use
in meeting at a Treaty - The answer was
signed, it is said, by sixteen Nations, being
all that were present except the Six
Nations, who all refused their concurrence
and are favourably disposed towards the
United States.- About 8 P.M. the two
young Onondaga's return'd who were
sent express by the Commissioners, as
mentioned the 14th, they brought no
written reply, and could give very little in-
formation, except that they delivered their
message to Capt. Brandt the Mohawk Chief,
who informed that an answer to the Commissnr.
Speech was already gone down, the purport
of which he was intirely unacquainted with,
as he, with the rest of the Six Nations, were
not admitted into the Council - Thus ends
a business in which, it is too probable, the fate
of thousands are involved, - should there be
any, who from interested motives, or mis-
-taken policy, have endeavoured to retard
the work of Peace, and promote the horrid
consequences attendant upon War, what
will they not have to answer for!

Struck our Tents and embarked our
Baggage and Stoves on board the Dunmore-
-the Wind being strong from the S.W., it
was 4 in the afternoon before we got under
way, when we work'd down with the-
current into the Lake - in the evening
we were about 10 miles from the place
of our departure.- the wind about South.

The wind shifting last night to the N.E. brought
us up to the Bass Islands this morning, where we
came to an anchor in Pudding Bay about 7 oClock,
being 40 miles from the mouth of Detroit River­ about
about 10 A.M. the wind shifted round to
N.N.W., we made sail, and run through the
Islands - in the afternoon it fell calm, at
6 in the evening we were about 10 miles below
the Islands.­ This being the first day p
(and just 10 weeks since we passed the same Islands)
Friends had a Meeting in the Cabbin, which was
in the main a satisfactory time.

Little wind all the last night, mostly
from the N.E. - this morning almost
calm, the Bass Islands still in sight -
light airs of wind all Day from the Northward
- we made but little progress.

Last night about 10 a fresh breeze
sprung up from the N. N. W. which conti-
nued untill this morning - the fore part
of the Day calm - at 1 P.M. a breeze sprung
up about N.B.E. about which time a Vessell
hove in sight a stern of us which we
suppose to be the Ottaway bound to FortErie - at 4 P.M. close in with the Land
near the mouth of Elk River on the South
side of the Lake, - tack'd and stood to
the Northward

A small breeze from the Eastward
all night, - in the morning the South
Shore in sight - the Ottaway about 2
Leagues to Leeward - at 2 P.M the Land
on both sides the Lake in sight and the
- at 4 P.M. the Ottaway
abreast of us, about half a mile to an
Windward. - the Wind N.N.E.

The wind last night hauld round to them Sou
South, and continued a fresh breeze untill
morning - Our Course E.N.E. - The Ottaway
on our Lee bow about 4 Leagues distant
- the Land in sight on both sides the Lake
- at 10 A.M opposite Long Point, from whence
over to the opposite Shore, near Presq Isle, the
distance is about 12 Leagues - at 2 P.M.
calm, no land to be seen to the Northward
- at 4 P.M.a breeze sprung up about
South, which increased and blew
fresh in the Evening.

About 1 A.M. anchor'd at Fort Erie - the
wind blowing hard all day made it very difficult
to Land which prevented our making much progress
in preparing to get on our way to Niagara

Disposed of most of our spare Stores - Govr. Randolph and Col. Pickering crossd over to
Buffaloe Creek, intending to go through the Genesee
Country down to New York. J.Parrish, Ja. Lindley, J. Moore, & J. Elliott, also took their
leave of us, intending to proceed through the
woods to Philad. - General Lincoln, Ch. Storer, J.Heckenvelder, Dr. McCoskry, Wm. Savery & myself, intending to go by the way
Montreal to New York.

Procured Batteaux in which we put our
Baggage and embark'd about 9 oClock down
to Chippeway Creek, within two miles of the
Great Fall, where we arrived about one -
after Dinner J.Heckenvelder & myself went
to take a second view of the Falls, we went
down by Birch's Mill, and along under the
Hill to Table Rock, opposite the Falls, J.H. being
fatigued would go no further, I procured a guide
and went about a mile below to a place where
we f by the help of Indian Ladders we
decended down to the waters edge, and went
along upon the broken Rocks up to the
Falls - The River to the Eastward of the Island
I suppose to be 250 yards wide, the lower end
of the Island, and the River to the Westward of the
it, I suppose to be each of the same width, -

After spending some time in viewing this
wonderful sight, we ascended the hill and walk'd
about three miles, where we got Lodgings and
tarried all Night.

Walk'd down to the Landing where we found
General Lincoln, Wm. Savery & some others who came
in a Waggon last night - about noon our
our Baggage arrived and was deposited in
the Kings Store.

A Light Breeze of wind from the Westward,
we could hear the roaring of the Falls uncommonly
loud, the distance being seven miles. - We
hear there is a Vessell at Navy Ha11 bound to
Kingston, but it is thought she will be detain'd
untill they hear from Governor Simcoe who
is on the opposite side of the Lake at Torento--

Procured a Batteau and went down
to Navy Hall, and were accommodated
with the Governor's empty House - the
evening being calm could distinctly clearly hear
the roaring of the Falls as I lay in Bed,
the distance 18 miles

Arrived the Missesaga, a Kings Scho
Schooner, from Toronto, by her we learn
that the Gun Boat, in which CaptainBunbury was a Passenger, who left this
place the 23rd was not arrived at 7 oClock
last evening - as the wind blew hard
the night after she sail'd, we are fearful
some accident has befallen her. - The
Sloop Caldwell being ready to Sail for Kingston
and there being a prospect of a Wind, we
got all our Baggage on board this evening

At 4 A.M. embark'd on board the
Vessell abovementioned, Commanded by
Captain Paxton, and left Niagara with
a fair Wind, bound for Kingston at the
entrance of the River St. Lawrence, - having
a fresh breeze all Day, about 8 P.M were
a breast of long Point on the North sides
of the Lake 100 miles from Niagara.

This morning about 5 oClock pass'd
by the Islands call'd the Ducks, - Course from
Niagara to the Islands about E.N.E., from
thence to Kingston about N.b.E. - from the
Islands to Kingston 28 m. whole distance
150 miles - At 10 oClock, anchor'd at
Kingston, formerly Fort Frontenac. - here
is a Fort and small Garrison, the Town consists
of a few scattering Houses, and the Land in
the neighbour'd appears to be very Stoney and
poor. - A Batteau being procured we left
Kingston about 1 P.M., and having a fair
wind, run all Night.

Went on Shore this morning
about 6 and breakfasted at a Tavern
three miles above Oswegatche, being 72
miles from Kingston. - The River St.
Lawrence for about 10 Leagues below
Kingston has no current, and but
a very gentle one the remainder
of the way to Oswegatche; from thence
it begins to be very rapid. - in the
afternoon we pass'd the Rapids call'd
the Long Sue, and about 6 oClock enter'd
Lake St. Francis, which is 7 Leagues
in length and 2 wide two in breadth.
- at 10 we were overtaken with a
violent squall of Wind and Rain; and
with difficulty got to land on the N.W.
side, about 14 miles from the N.E. end
of the Lake, where we left our Boat and
made up a fire on this Shore, and
spent a very uncomfortable Night

A fresh Breese from the Westward
- embark'd about 6 A.M. and at 8 landed
at Mclntire's at the N.E. end of the Lake
where we got a little refreshment and then
proceeded on our way down the River, - about
one pass'd the Rapids of the Cedars, and
at 4 arrived at La Chine, where we took
up our Quarters at Grants Tavern, & tarried
all Night

Sent on two Carts with our Baggage
and about 9 A.M., in three Calathes, set
off for Montreal, where we arrived in
about an hour & a half. - Distance from
Kingston to Montreal 200 miles - In the
afternoon that we left Kingston we run
about 30 miles before dark, and in all that
distance saw but very few settlements, the
Land appearing very rough and poor - the
next morning at day light, when we were
about 60 60 miles from Kingston, we found
the N.W. side of the River thickly inhabited,
which continued to be the case all the way
down to Lake St. Francis, the improvements
are new, and the inhabitants mostly Loyalists
and emigrants from different quarters,
- after we got below the boundary Line
which strikes the water somewhere on Lake
St.Francis, we found improvements on
both sides, but the N.W. side of the Lake
being low and Marshy swampy had but few settle­
ments, on the S.E. side appeared more
pleasant, and better cultivated. - The
Country on both sides the River, below
the Lake, is thickly inhabited, especially
on the West side, where the Land appears
to be fertile and well improved. - The
Rapids in this River are not easily de-
scribed, - those of Long Sue, and the Cedars
are the most remarkable, in one of
which we went 3 Leagues in 35 minutes
and the in the other the same distance
in 40 minutes.- Opposite La Chine,
which is 9 miles from Montreal, is a
large Indian Town, the Houses appear'd
to be commodious & well built, a large
Church, or Chappel, standing in the Town,
and another building of the like kind, 3 or
four miles from it. - La Chine is a
Village situated on the same Island on
which Montreal is built, to this place all
Goods intended for the Western Trade is
brought by Land from Montreal, & from
thence sent by Batteaux, Canoe's &c in
many directions into the Indian Country.
- in the River St.Lawrence, between Kingston
and the Lake St. Francis are a vast mul-
titude of Islands, most of which are small,
barren, and Rocky. - The Country in
the Neighborhood of Montreal appears
to be very thickly inhabited, fertile &
pleasant. - The Town is about half
the size of New York, the buildings mo
mostly of stone, some of the Houses
are roof'd with Tin plates, and in
general are pretty well built, - some
of the Streets are commodious and well
paved, - it appears to have a plentiful
Market, and provision, in general,
about the same price as in New York
- after dining at Montreal we cross'd
the River at Longuiel Ferry, intending
to proceed on our way to Lake Champlain
immediately, but it being in the heigth of
their Oat Harvest, we were disappointed
in getting Carriages, and were obliged
to take up our Quarters at the Ferry-
House for the Night.

We were provided with Carriages &
about 6 in the morning set off for
St. Johns, in our way pass'd by Fort Chamblee, in which is a Garrison, and
about 12 oClock arrived at St.John's, the
distance being 27 miles. - Chamblee is
situated at the foot of the Rapids of the
River Sorrell, which runs out of Lake
Chamblain, at St. Johns, into the River
St. Lawrence, from Chamblee to St. Johns
is a carrying place of about 12 miles, the
road very good. - about 5 P.M. embark'd
on board a Boat of about 9 Tons burthen,
Sloop rigg'd, and Deck'd, it being almost
Calm, got only 5 miles on our way, and
went on Shore, at a very ordinary Public House
where we tarried all night.

Embark'd about about 7 A.M. - the wind
being ahead, we work'd up about 9 miles
to a Tavern One mile below the Isle aux
Noix, where we put up for the Night.

Set off about 7 A.M., had to stop and
give an account of ourselves at the Fort on
the Isle aux Noix - the Wind coming fair
about 11 oClock we got up the Lake to where
the boundary Line intersects it in 45° of
N. Lattitude, - the Country on the East side
of the Lake appears pleasant & fertile, & thickly
settled on both sides of the Line, - on the
West side also are many settlements, but
not so flourishing as on the East. - about
One oClock pass'd the Brittish Garrison on Point
au Fair, and also the Kings Schooner laying
in the Lake opposite to it, to both of which
the master of the Boat was obliged to give
some account of himself and his Cargo.

-- at 4 P.M. we arrived at Cumberland
head in the State of New York, where a
Custom House is established, here also,
our little Vessell underwent another exa
examination.- Our Skipper being
very ill with the Ague & Fever, desired
to be left here, and gave up the manage-
ment of his Boat to the Passengers, & a
little Boy about 14 or 15 Years of Age, as a Pilot.
- the wind being fair and blowing very
fresh we were loth to loose it, & ventured
to push on, being told we could make
a harbour at Gillilands Creek about 20
miles further up the Lake, at which
place we arrived about 8 in the evening,
but in attempting to go in we found a
Bar quite a Cross the Creeks mouth, on
which we got a Ground,
and the wind
blowing fresh, with a pretty high Sea
we struck hard, - it was with a good
deal of difficulty that we got our Boat off
which when we had accomplished, not
liking to trust any longer to our pilot, we
came to an Anchor, pretty much exposed
to the Wind and Sea, and pass'd a very
uncomfortable Night, having 12 Men and
one Woman on board.

As soon as day light appear'd we made
sail, and run 12 miles to Bason harbour,
on the Vermont side where we breakfasted
- at 9 oClock pass'd the old Fort of CrownPoint, 12 miles from Bason harbour - at 3 P.M
pass 'd through the Piers opposite the remains
of Ticonderoga, and at 7 in the evening got
up to cold spring, a public Hquse within 8
miles of Skeensborough. - The Shores of this
Lake are mostly high and bold, and the
Country on both sides has by far a pleasanter
appearance than any we saw on the
upper Lakes - there are settlements all
round Lake Champlaine, those towards
the North end, and in general, on the East,
or Vermont Side, appear to have the pre
preference - At the South end of the Lake, on
on both sides, the Country is very Rocky
and Mountainous - From Ticonderoga
to Skeensborough, the distance of 25 miles,
the Lake is like a narrow River, with
very high Cliffs on both sides, in some
places much resembling the High Lands
on Hudsons River. - About 12 miles below
Skeensboroug the River is contracted between
large Bodies of Marsh, which continue
nearly all the way up, - among these
Swam Marshes were great numbers of
Ducks of different kinds, but mostly
what are call'd Wood Ducks

We arrived at Skeensborough about
11 oClock, the distance being 150 miles
from St. Johns - at Skeensborough are
fine Mills upon the Falls of Wood Creek
where it empties into the east end of
Lake Champlain, - the Land, in general
very rough & Mountainous, in which
are some fertile Vallies.

Having procured two waggons to bring
our Baggage, six of us set off about 7
in the Stage Waggon for Albany. - We
pass'd the remains of Fort Ann & Fort Edward, the first 11, the latter 24 miles from
Skeensborough, - about 8 in the evening
arrived at Saratoga on the North River, 35 miles from Skeensbugh.
and 36 miles from Albany

We left Saratoga about 6 A.M.and reach'd
Lansingburg about 2 P.M. where we dined,
- our ride this morning has been all the
way in a very pleasant Road on the banks
of Hudsons River - we pass'd through so
some beautiful Villages, particularly the
half Moon, or Waterford, on the west side
of the River, about a Mile above Lansing-bourg, which is situated on the East side,
they both appear to be places of considerable
Trade, and from the number of new buildings
erecting, very rapidly increasing in size
and beauty, - the same may be said
of Troy which stands a few miles below
Lansingbourg on the same side of the River
where we again Ferried over and arrived at
Albany about 5 oClock - Lansingbourgh 9 m. from Albany.

Our Baggage arrived this afternoon
and was put on board the Sloop Vley, Capt.Marseilles, who expects to sail tomorrow for
New York.

Left Albany about 10 oClock, with a
fine wind, and very shortly after, ran
aground upon the Oversloughs about
two Miles below, where all our exert
exertions to get off this Tide proved in
vain.

Not being able to get the Vessell off at
high water last night, this morning
made a Raft of the boards upon Deck
by which means and a great deal of
labour got off a float and run down
over the shoals, and came to an Anchor
in order to take in our Raft of Boards.
- about 4 P.M. again made sail,
the Wind, which for several days past
has been strong from the Northward, is
now almost done.

Light airs of wind from the southwd.
- pass'd Hudson in the Night, which is
30 miles from Albany - at 8 A.M. opposite
Katskill on the west side of the River 40 miles
from Albany, - in the evening lay at Red
Hook wharf, on the East side of the River 45
miles from Albany.

Small breeses of Wind still from the S.ward
- in the Morning found ourselves at Anchor
opposite Usopus, on the West side, 100 miles
from New York, - work'd down with the Ebb.
and anchor'd in the evening about 4 miles
above Poughkeepsie, on the East side, which
is call'd half way from Albany to New York

Wind the same as Yesterday - in the
morning we lay along side a Lime Kiln
wharf opposite the mouth of Wappings Cr
Creek, 6 miles below Newburgh - about 1 oClock
pass'd Newburg on the West side of the River,
opposite to which on the east side of the River is
the Fish Kills - New Windsor lays about one
mile below Newburgh, on the same side
of the River - two or three miles below New W
New Windsor, we enter the High Lands, &
anchor'd during the Flood, about 2 miles above
West Point.

Having a strong Current in
the Night we pass'd, West Point, and
Stoney Point, Forts, and got clear of the
High Lands about 4 o'clock in the Morning
at which time we were overtaken with
a heavy squall of wind & Rain from the
Northward - about 8 we were opposite
Tappan - the wind still continuing we
arrived at New York about 1 in the
afternoon